The proceedings were wound up by the Duke, who was obviously, with the exception of the distinguished soldier, much more in earnest than any of them, and secured upon the whole a respectful attention.

He brought in a few historical allusions, pleaded for a greater spirit of earnestness and citizenship amongst the men of the country, appealed even to the women to develop their sense of responsibility, and sat down amidst a little burst of quite enthusiastic applause .-- The vote of thanks to the chairman was on the point of being proposed when Mr.Seaman, standing up in his place, appealed to the chairman for permission to say a few words.

The Duke, who had had some experience with Mr.Seaman before, looked at him severely, but the smile with which Mr.Seaman looked around upon the audience was so good-natured and attractive, that he had no alternative but to assent.

Seaman scrambled up the steps on to the platform, coughed apologetically, bowed to the Duke, and took possession of the meeting.
After a word or two of compliment to the chairman, he made his confession.

He was a German citizen--he was indeed one of that bloodthirsty race.